Sreeshankar eyes Glasgow gold after comeback

Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar is back from a career-threatening patellar tendon rupture in 2024 and eyeing a gold at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, after a remarkable comeback that saw him post strong jumps including an 8.38m personal-best and multiple near-metros since surgery. He has spoken of a “big jump” still waiting to come and believes his physical condition is now at or beyond pre-injury levels, aided by a lengthy rehab and revamped training. The 27-year-old’s return follows silver-medal runs at the 2022 CWG and 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, and a 8.41m performance in Bhubaneswar in 2023 that underscored India’s rising standard in the event. He has emphasized that the aim is to transform past silver into gold at Glasgow, while acknowledging the elevated domestic competition as several Indian jumpers push eight-meter marks. Analysts and coaches credit the rehabilitation period for restoring his speed and jumping ability, positioning him as India’s premier long jumper and a key figure in the country’s athletics surge this season. Overall, Sreeshankar’s comeback story dovetails with a broader ascent in Indian track and field as he targets peak performance in 2026 ahead of Asian Games and the Paris Olympic cycle.